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NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Packers take top spot, Chiefs in second slot, Falcons fall after loss to 49ers

Saints the only NFC South team to move up; Bengals highest AFC North squad

Dec 22, 2021 at 10:36 AM
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Scott Bair

Falcons Digital Managing Editor

Power.Rankings.12.20

We've got another change at the top. It's the second in as many weeks after the Cardinals took up residence there for so long. The NFL's best have taken some lumps in recent weeks, reminding every one of that parity reigns.

That's also illustrated by how many teams are hovering around .500 and how many are still in the playoff hunt.

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The Falcons dropped a few spots after a disappointment in the Bay Area, which hurt their playoff hopes. Three of the four NFC South teams went down after losses, though the Saints are showing signs of life after a downturn.

There are so many close division races right now, which should make for a fun end of the season. Let's see how the NFL shakes out heading into Week 16 action:

(11-3)
1
1
Packers_table
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers must have quite the collection of NFC North championship hats.
(10-4)
2
2
Chiefs_table
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs back on top of the AFC. Seems fitting.
(10-4)
3
2
Bucs_table
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady broke a tablet in frustration on Sunday night. That’s an appropriate reaction after how the Bucs played vs. New Orleans.
(10-4)
4
1
Rams_table
Los Angeles Rams
Say it with me: Cooper Kupp is an All-Pro.
(10-4)
5
2
Cowboys_table
Dallas Cowboys
That defense is something special.
(10-4)
6
3
Cardinals_Table
Arizona Cardinals
Losing to the Rams is one thing. Losing to the Lions is another.
(9-5)
7
1
Patriots_table
New England Patriots
Bill Belichick was a bit terse with the media after a loss to Indy. Then he apologized the next day. It’s like that day after Scrooge got a visit from three ghosts.
(9-5)
8
Titans_table
Tennessee Titans
Titans are now in a division race. Colts are the T-Rex in their sideview mirror.
(8-6)
9
2
49ers_table
San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy G’s having quite the lame-duck season.
(8-6)
10
1
Chargers_table
Los Angeles Chargers
Lost a thriller to the Chiefs. Big blow in the AFC West race, but the Bolts are still in playoff standing.
(8-6)
11
2
Bills_table
Buffalo Bills
Rematch with New England’s on the way. Get your popcorn ready.
(8-6)
12
2
Colts_table
Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor for MVP. Doesn’t always have to be a quarterback, you know.
(8-6)
13
2
Bengals_table
Cincinnati Bengals
What a rollercoaster season for the Bengals. Now they’re in control of the division. Can Joe Burrow finish the job?
(8-6)
14
4
Ravens_table
Baltimore Ravens
Don’t worry about it, John. I would’ve gone for 2 in both situations. Just didn’t work out.
(7-7)
15
3
Browns_table
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland was super shorthanded and nearly won. Can they get it figured out in time to save the season?
(7-7)
16
7
Saints_table
New Orleans Saints
Dennis Allen entered a bad situation as Raiders head coach. Trust me. I was there. He deserves tons of credit for the game plan and the substitute head coaching against the Bucs. And he deserves another shot.


(7-7)
17
1
Broncos_table
Denver Broncos
Prayers up for Teddy Bridgewater.
(7-6-1)
18
1
Steelers_table
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin’s streak of non-losing seasons might continue. Steelers don't have down years.
(7-7)
19
5
Raiders_table
Las Vegas Raiders
Almost lost to a Browns team down two quarterbacks, a head coach and tons of talent. Let’s not get too hyped about a win like that.
(7-7)
20
3
Vikings_table
Minnesota Vikings
Just cause the Vikings won and stayed in the playoff hunt doesn’t mean they’re good. So much talent. So underwhelming.
(7-7)
21
1
Eagles.png
Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles got big games from their big names. Huge win for the Eagles.
(7-7)
22
Dolphins_table
Miami Dolphins
Still want to trade for Deshaun Watson?!? Yeah. I thought not.
(6-8)
23
5
Washington_table
Washington Football Team
Down to an emergency squad quarterback signed off another practice squad. This week! That's called buzzard's luck.
(6-8)
24
3
FALCONS
Falcons playoff hopes took a major hit against the 49ers as the local squad continues to struggle against upper-tier teams.
(5-9)
25
Seahawks_table
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle somehow had a chance to get back in it despite a rough start. Couldn't capitalize. Isn't the Seahawks' year.
(5-9)
26
Panthers_table
Carolina Panthers
Panthers are floundering. Injuries have played a part, but that offense is a million miles from good.
(4-10)
27
1
Giants_table
New York Giants
Congrats, Giants. You’ve officially reached the point where you’re not even competitive.
(4-10)
28
1
Bears_table
Chicago Bears
Bears better be careful. A few more years like this and they’ll turn into the Lions.
(2-11-1)
29
1
Lions_table
Detroit Lions
The Lions beat who? The Cardinals? Wow. What’s down is up. Seriously, though, the Lions are looking better.
(3-11)
30
1
Jets_table
New York Jets
Jets fan has been looking at mock drafts for months.
(3-11)
31
Texans_table
Houston Texans
The Texans messed up and beat the Jags. Now they don’t control their own destiny while trying to snag the No. 1 pick.
(2-12)
32
Jaguars_table
Jacksonville Jaguars
Fired Urban. That’s the first step of a marathon. There’s a lot more to be done to become respectable again.
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